Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess pediatric patients presenting with DKA regarding aspects of demographics, presentation, findings, and management and probable risk factors associated with DKA in Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive study with review of medical records of patients admitted to King Khalid Civilian Hospital from 2013 to 2016. A total of 98 patients were included and divided into two groups with age matched (+/- 3 years): Group "A=49: previously diagnosed T1DM, Group B=49: newly diagnosed T1DM. The following data were analyzed: age, sex, weight loss, basic signs & symptoms and severity on admission, blood gas, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and risk factors. The insulin dosage, time of continuous insulin use, volume administered in the expansion phase and in the first 24 h, length of stay, and complications such as electrolyte disturbances, hypoglycemia and cerebral edema were compared between the two groups.
Results: Patients in group B were older at admission, with mean-age of 9.5 years, reported more nausea or vomiting, polydipsia, fatigue, and polyuria, and showed more weight loss (p < 0.01). This study also observed a higher blood glucose (mean) 4 38 +/- 86.2mg/dl and mean HbA1c of 10.3 +/- 2.3 and longer hospital stay of 32 +/- 3.4 days in group B.
Conclusions: Significant differences in severity between groups were observed. The study showed that newly diagnosed T1DM children were older at the time admission, high blood glucose level and had longer hospital stay.